Spirit Of Christmas Past

Was it the silent snow as it fell on the silver mountains? Maybe it was the tiny shops with the Holiday merchandise displayed in their windows. Of course,I didn't think of them as such tiny stores back then.
Maybe it was the annual lighting of the tree on King Street. Perhaps it was the friendly faces of the residents of our community. Maybe it was the Christmas parties that we had in school. Yes, Virginia, there used to be Christmas parties in public schools. But, probably, it was just because I was a kid, and home was still the best place to be. All I do know for sure was that I loved Christmas time in Wallace when I was growing up.

The night after Thanksgiving kicked the whole thing off back then, No, there was no Christmas stuff out before Halloween in those days, and Thanksgiving was actually celebrated as a separate day of the Christmas season. But but the night after Thanksgiving was special, because the stores in Wallace were open until 11:00 PM for our shopping pleasure. I am not talking about the so called antique and rock shops that clutter the downtown area now. No! I am talking about real stores with real merchandise.

Hard to believe, but we "old"d timers knew a whole different town than what exists today.
Morrows Department Store, Gene's Radio, later Gambels, Fonks, Lockhart's Pharmacy, Wallace Supply, Tabors, Ramsier's Pharmacy, Beulah's Jewelry, Gabie's Jewelry,JC Penny, Elder's Variety, Rullman Men's Wear, Cams, Rexall Pharmacy, and Western Auto. Of course,there were coffee shops and bars galore. Car dealerships, and full service gas stations were on every corner. There were two movie theatres to choose from. Wow, what a town it was! I miss it.

 Yes, Christmas in Wallace was very special.